Broadcast - 19 Feb 2023
Not a great deal has happened in the past week so we have just a couple of new items then basically a rehash of coming events. What I can say is that coffee morning last Friday saw an excellent roll up, with some new faces added to the mix as well. Ros, our early morning person, had the urn on, cakes, biscuits and freshly cooked lemon slices on the table, long before anybody else turned up. Thank you to Ros for getting everything set up for all to enjoy and for doing it every Friday.
The serenity of morning tea was broken by the sound of a water bombing helicopter passing over head. This was the first of multiple overhead passes as it completed return trips to recharge its water bucket. It was apparently attempting to douse a fire that had broken out at the Remount Rd tip. Luckily after three quarters of an hour of flyovers all went quiet again, hopefully an indication that the fire was under control. Members had ample time to saunter outside, check out the helicopter and satisfy their curiosity.
As an update Trevor VK7TB, shared with us the next stage of his current “99 year project”. He produced some of his most recently designed and assembled homemade modules. These offerings were so eagerly received that they started to take over the main food table! But don’t worry no body starved!
These offerings included:
An Ultra linear class “A” RF Mosfet power amplifier intended as a driver for the final stage in a HF transmitter. This unit is capable of 7 Watt output but is being utilised at a stress free 2.5 Watt for this application.
Another useful item was a transceiver interface module. Firstly it connects into the radio’s CAT interface and provides an RS232 data split to a computer. Secondly it plugs into the rigs microphone socket giving it the ability to mimic all microphone switch and button functions, while having the ability to take an input itself from the original microphone, or a dual tone oscillator for test and measurement with switchable input pad.
A module containing three individually patchable signal level low pass filters for HF amateur bands.
A high power high pass filter module for the HF band.
For this group of modules Trevor has standardised on an excellent Jaycar thin walled diecast aluminium enclosure, thus making all the modules seem to have a “belonging together” feel.
Needless to say the screw driver soon came out and lids came off, revealing the usual high quality of workmanship. Thanks for keeping us in the development loop Trevor.
Stuart VK7ES, brought along a visitor, Rob who is the proud owner of a brand new electronic battery powered gadget. It was in the form of a Tesla model 3 car. Stuart was lucky enough to ride navigator on the way up from Beauty Point. This vehicle was delivered to Rob a week ago and today soon found itself descended upon by eager club members. Unlike Trevor’s offerings the appearance of a screw driver may not have been happily received. Hihi However we were treated to an extensive guided tour of the vehicle, including many things that could be opened or closed via his phone app. Rob also informed us of the latest developments in EV vehicles. Concluding with an ultra-silent departure from our car park. A very smooth conclusion to our morning tea, which by this time had extended well past midday.
Once again we would like to thank Phil VK7ZPD for taking over the hosting of the Wednesday night TechNet session, due to Nic having a prior commitment. Not only did he host the night but he was still able to provide an audio feed for those that don’t have the equipment or are not physically close enough to receive all sides of the conversations. A job well done Phil.
Mug Order - yes, we are talking about the white mugs for drinking out of, those that have our club logo on one side, personalised with your name and call sign on the other. We are placing another order so if you would like one then please see André at the Friday coffee mornings or at the Wednesday bi-weekly club Technical Nights. Those members who have already requested a mug, please email secretary@ntarc.net to confirm order, and anyone else who wants one please specify what name is to be printed above the call sign. The final price will be about $12 depending on eventual quantity ordered.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Club Technical night - The next session will be on Wednesday 22nd of February and will commence at the usual time of 7.30 pm, running through to about 10.30 pm, at the Club room Archer Street, Rocherlea. Pop in catch up with fellow amateurs, bring along something that you are currently building or just ask questions? You might also be able to answer some from other attendees. That is what the evenings are all about, anything of a technical or near-technical nature, however defined, is fair game. Endless tea and coffee along with biscuits is available for a small gold coin donation.
Coffee Morning - held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10am to noon and we look forward to seeing you all there. We currently have a couple of QSL cards awaiting collection, so why not pop in and check the box and join us for a cuppa and chat.
The TestNet and TechNet session - Wednesday the 1st March. TestNet/CW course on 3.580MHz from 7pm till 7.30pm…. and a TechNet on 3.567MHz from 7.30pm till about 8.30pm.
FINALLY - A reminder to all members that if you have any items of news you would like added to our weekly roundup, no matter how trivial, then please email them to the Secretary at the following address news@ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 5pm on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
That’s all folks,
73 from Stefan, VK7ZSB, Secretary NTARC.
